Pressure controlled well conduit circulation system

ABSTRACT

A pressure controlled well conduit circulation system between two well conduits for controlling circulation between the two conduits. A valve positioned in the passageway between two well conduits, such as in a well pocket, which is pressured loaded to remain closed until pressure in one of the conduits forces the valve open and into a latched open position to allow free circulation between the two conduits. The valve including releasing means actuated on a predetermined pressure in the conduit to release the latching means and allow the valve to close as the conduit pressure decreases. The valve element having two sections telescopically connected together with a shear pin in an extended relationship so that the valve may be opened by shearing the pin in the event of valve failure.

United States Patent 1191 Watkins et al.

1451 Apr. 30, 1974 PRESSURE CONTROLLED WELL CONDUIT Primary ExaminerAlan Cohan CIRCULATION SYSTEM Assistant Examiner-Gerald A. Michalsky 75 Inventors: Fred E. Watkins; Gilbert H. Tausch, Attorney Agen Cmoker both of Houston, Tex. ABSTRACT [73] Assignee: cameo Incorporated s A pressure controlled well conduit circulation system [22] Filed; May 19, 72 between two well conduits for controlling circulation between the two conduits. A valve positioned in the PP 255,024 passageway between two well conduits, such as in a well pocket, which is pressured loaded to remain [52] CL 7 55 37/71, 137 427 closed until pressure in one of the conduits forces the 166/224 valve open and into a latched open position to allow 51 Int. Cl. .104: 1/08 free Circulation between the two conduits- The valve [58] Field of Search 137/155, 624.27, 71, 797; including releasing means actuated on a predeter- 166/224 mined pressure in the conduit to release the latching means and allow the valve to close as the conduit 56] References Cited pressure decreases. The valve element having two sec- UNITED STATES PATENTS tions telescopically connected together with a shear 3 530 874 9/1970 Lamb 137/155 pm in an extended relationsh p so that the valve may 3,213,806 10/1965 Walton 137/155 x g si by Shearing the pm m the event of valve 3,361,205 1/1968 Waldron 166/224 X 7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures UIHHH N if -13 i d :5 IE 34 :2 :3

PRESSURE CONTROLLED WELL CONDUIT CIRCULATION SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is frequently desirable in oil and gas wells to circulate fluid between two conduits in one or both directions. For example, oil well tools may be inserted into and removed from a well tubing by pumping the tools down the well tubing by hydraulic pressure and retracting the tools from the well tubing by reversing the fluid in the well tubing by pumping down the fluid through a second conduit and into the well tubing at a point below the tools.

The present invention is directed to a pressure controlled well conduit circulation system to control the circulation between two conduits with a pressure controlled valve positioned in a passageway between the two well conduitsin which the valve may be opened and closed, and released in an emergency, all by the application of predetermined amounts of fluid pressure.

SUMMARY An object of the present invention is'the provision of a pressure actuated valve in combination with a tubing pocket in communication between two well conduits to control the fluid flow between the two conduits mom or both directions.

The present invention is further directed to a pressure actuated valve in a well tubing in communication between two well conduits in which yieldable urging means such as a pressure chamber acts on the valve in Another object of the present invention is the provision of releasable latching means including an engaging BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary elevational view, partly in cross section, illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view, partly in cross section, of the circulation valve of the present invention in the closed position,

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the circulation valve in the latched open position,

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view, in cross section, illustrating the beginning of the operation of the releasing mechanism for releasing the valve latch, and

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating the release of the valve latch by the releasing mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT While the present pressure controlled circulation system may be used to control the circulation between various types of well conduits, the present invention will be shown, for purposes of illustration only, as controlling the circulation between a well tubing and the annulus between the well tubing and a well casing.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, the pressure controlled circulation system of the present invention is shown controlling the circulashoulder carried by the valve element for engaging a latching collet for holding the valve in the opened position.

Still a further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved releasing means including a releasing sleeve slidably carried by the valve element for contacting and disengaging the latching collet when the valve element is moved by pressure beyond the latched condition upon a predetermined fluidpressure.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision of allowing the valve to be opened in case of a malfunction which prevents the valve from opening normally by providing a valve element including first and second sections telescopically connected together with shear means in an extended relationship with locking means between the first and second sections adapted to be engaged when the shear means is'sheared and the sections are moved together to hold the valve in the open position.

tion between a well tubing 10 and the annulus 12 of a well casing 14. A passageway 16 is provided between the well tubing 10 and the annulus 12 such as a plurality of ports in a conventional mandrel 18 having a sidepocket 20 therein with the conventional passageway 16 leading exteriorly of the mandrel 18 and the interior of the pocket 20 being in fluid communication with the passageway 16 and the bore of the tubing 10.

As previously discussed, it may be desirable to provide circulation between the annulus l2 and the tubing 10 through the passageway or ports 16 and through the bottom 22 of the sidepocket 20 such as for pumping tools up and down the well tubing 10. A pressurecontrolled circulating valve generally indicated by the reference number 24 may be provided which may be releasably secured in the sidepocket 20 of the mandrel 18 such as by conventional latch 26 such as the type K sold by Cameo, Incorporated.

Referring now to FIG. 2, it is noted that the valve 24 generally includes a housing 28 having a first opening such as a plurality of ports 30 which are in communication with the fluid passageway 16 when the valve 24 is inserted in the sidepocket 20. In addition, the valve 24 includes a second opening such as a plurality of ports 32 in fluid communication with the bottom opening 22 of the sidepocket 20. It is also noted that seals 34 are provided on the valve housing 28 and spaced to enclose I the passageway 16 and seal in the sidepocket 20 on eithe valve element 36 whereby the gas pressure in the chamber 40 acts on the valve element 36 in a direction to close the fluid communication between the openings 30 and 32. Thus, the valve 24 in its normal position is closed as best seen in FIG. 2.

When it is desired to open the valve 24, pressure is applied through the tubing (FIG. 1) and through the bottom 22 of the sidepocket 20, through the opening 32 in the nose of the valve 24 and against the bottom of the valve element 36. As the applied pressure overcomes the gas pressure in chamber 40, the valve element 36 moves upwardly opening communication between the ports or openings 30 and 32 as best seen in FIG. 3. Releasable latching means are provided to latch the valve 24 in the open'position such as by engaging shoulder 44 carried by the valve element 36 and being directed downwardly so as to engage a latching collet 46 having upwardly directed latching shoulder 48 which engages the shoulder 44 at a predetermined opening pressure, as best seen in FIG. 3. With the valve element 36 in the open position, free circulation exists between-the ports or openings 30 and 32 and circulation between the annulus l2 and the tubing 10 may be provided in either direction under a pressure less than that necessary to latch the valve in the open position.

Releasing means are provided for releasing the collet latch 46 from the shoulder 44 so that the valve 24 may be closed when desired. The releasing means includes a releasing sleeve 50 slidably carried on a stem 52 of the valve element 36 as best seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5. As the valve element 36 is moved longitudinally upwardly, the sleeve 50 is carried by a shoulder 54 and is similarly longitudinally moved.

It is to be noted that a spring 60 is provided in the housing 28 and acts against a yieldable stop member 62, and as best seen in FIG. 3, engages the end of stem 52 of the valve element 36 when the latching shoulder 42 engages the collet latch engaging shoulder 48. However, as noted in FIG. 3, the stop 62 engages the stem 52 before the releasing sleeve 50 opens the collet latch 46. That is, the valve opening pressure applied through the ports 32 against the valve element 36 is of an amount suitable to overcome the gas pressure in the chamber 40, but is not sufficient to overcome the resilient stop 62 and spring 60.

When it is desired to actuate the releasing means, the pressure in the circulation path in the conduit 10 and annulus 12 is increased a sufficient amount to cause the valve element 36 to move upwardly overcoming both the gas pressure in the chamber 40 and overcoming the force exerted by the spring on the resilient stop 62 so as to carry the releasing sleeve 50 upwardly by means of the shoulder 54. The releasing sleeve 50 includes upper and lower beveled shoulders 64 and 66 and the spring latching collet 46 includes a lower bevelled shoulder 68.

As best seen in FIG. 4, when the valve element 36 moves upwardly and overcomes the resilient stop 62 the releasing sleeve 50 spreads the collet latch 46 outwardly as the bevelled shoulder 64 on the sleeve 50 slides under the bevelled shoulder 68 on the collet 46. The pressure in the conduits 10 and 12 is then decreased allowing the spring 60 and the pressure in the chamber 40 to act against the valve element 36 moving the stem 52 and the element 36 downwardly. Downward movement of the stem 52 and latching shoulder 44 will carry the slidable releasing sleeve 50 downwardly, and as best seen in FIG. 5, forces the resilient latching collet 46 outwardly so that the latching shoulder 44 may follow the sleeve 50 and will move downwardly past the engaging shoulder 48 on the collet 46. Thereafter, the gas pressure in the chamber 40 will move the valve element 36 to its normally closed posi-' tion, as best seen in FIG. 2.

However, it is desirable that the valve 24 always be capable of opening so as to provide circulation between the two conduits 12 and 14 even in the event of a malfunction which would prevent the valve 24 from opening. The valve element includes first and second sections 70 and 72 telescopically connected together with a shear pin 74 in an extended relationship. In the event that the valve 24 fails to open normally, fluid may be pumped down tubing 10 through the opening 32 and against the bottom of the valve element 36 to shear the pin 74 and move the lower section 72 of the valve element 36 upwardly past the port 30. A C ring 76 is provided onsection 72 so as to engage a notch 78 on valve section 70 so as to hold the valve in the open position to permit circulation sufficient so that the valve may be retrieved by suitable hydraulic pump down equipment and repaired.

In operation, the circulating valve 24 may be inserted and removed from the valve pocket 20 conventionally. Normally, the valve 24 is in the closed position as best seen in FIG. 2, blocking fluid circulation between the annulus 12 and the tubing 10. To open the valve 24, a preselected pressure is supplied through the tubing 10, through the bottom 22 of the sidepocket 20, through the opening or ports 32 and against the bottom of the valve element 36 sufficient to overcome the gas pressure in the gas chamber 40, but not sufficient to overcome the resilient stop 62 and spring 60. With a selected opening pressure applied to the valve element 36, the latching shoulder 44 moves upwardly and engages the collet shoulder 48 to hold the valve in the open position so that circulation may be provided between the annulus 12 and the tubing 10 in either direction.

In order to close the valve, pressure is again exerted through one of the annulus 12 and tubing 10 of a sufficient amount against the bottom of the valve element 36 causing the releasing sleeve 50 to be carried upwardly so that the bevelled shoulder 64 on the sleeve 50 contacts the bevelled shoulder 68 on the collet 46 allowing the upper end of the releasing sleeve 50 to be interposed, as best seen in FIG. 4, between the engaging shoulder 44 and the shoulder 48 of the collet 46. The pressure in the annulus 12 and tubing 10 is then decreased allowing the spring 60 and gas pressure in chamber 40 to drive the stem 52 and valve element 36 downwardly carrying the releasing sleeve 50 which spreads the collet 46 allowing downward movement of the engaging shoulder 44 past the shoulder 48 on the collet 46, as best seen in FIG. 5.

In the event that the valve for some reason fails to open, a sufficient pressure can be provided in the tubing 10 and against the bottom of the valve element 36 to shear the pin 74 and move valve element section 72 to the open position to permit circulation through the ports 30 to allow the valve 24 to be retrieved and repaired.

The present invention, therefore, is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as others inherent therein. While a presently preferred embodiment of the invention is given for the purpose of disclosure, numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A pressure actuated valve comprising, I

a valve housing having two openings for passage 0 fluid therethrough,

a valve element-sealingly engaging and movable in the housing for opening and closing fluid communication between said two openings,

first yieldable urging means in the housing acting against the element in. a direction to close the fluid communication between the two openings,

releasable latching means connected to the valve element for latching the element in the open position when the element is moved to the open position by fluid pressure from one of the openings acting against the first yieldable urging means,

releasable means'for releasing the latching means,

and

second yieldable urging means positioned in the housing for'contact with the valve element but allowing the'valve element to be moved to the open position for latching, and which requires a predetermined fluid pressure, in excess of the fluid pressure to move the element to the open position against the first yieldable urging means, acting on the valve element from one of the openings for moving the releasing means to the releasing position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first yieldable urging means is a gas-filled chamber in the housing exposed to one side of the valve element and the second yieldable urging means is a spring.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the latching means includes,

an engaging shoulder carried by the valve element,

and a latching collet connected to the housing.

4. A pressure actuated valve comprising,

a valve housing having two openings for passage of fluid therethrough,

a valve element sealingly engaging and movable in the housing for opening and closing fluid communication between said two openings,

a gas-filled chamber in the housing yieldably acting against the element in a direction to close the fluid communication between the two openings,

releasable latching means connected to the valve element for latching the element in the open position when the element is moved to the open position by fluid pressure from one of the openings acting against the yieldable urging gas chamber, said latching means including an engaging shoulder carried by the valve element, and a latching collet connected to the housing, and

releasable means for releasing the latching means including a releasing sleeve slidably carried by the valve element for contacting and releasing the latching collet when the valve element is moved beyond the latched position, and spring stop means positioned in the housing for contact with the valve element but allowing the valve element to be moved to the open position for latching, and which requires a predetermined fluid pressure acting on the valve element from one of the openings for moving the releasing means to the releasing position.

5. A pressure actuated valve comprising,

a valve housing having two openings for passage of fluid therethrough,

a valve element sealingly engaging and movable in the housing for opening and closing fluid communication between said two openings, said element includes first and second sections telescopically connected together with shear means in an extended relationship, and locking means between the first and second sections adapted to become engaged when the shear means is sheared and the sections are moved together,

yieldable urging means in the housing acting against the element in a direction to close the fluid communication between the two openings,

releasable latching means connected to the valve element for latching the element in the open position when the element is moved to the open position by fluid pressure from one of the openings acting against the yieldable urging means, and

releasable means for releasing the latching means.

6. A pressure actuated valve comprising,

a valve housing having two openings for passage of fluid therethrough,

a valve element sealingly engaging and movable in the housing for opening and closing fluid communication between said two openings,

a gas-filled chamber in the housing acting against the valve element in a direction to close the fluid communication between the two openings,

releasable latching means for latching the-valve element in the open position when the element is moved to the open position by fluid pressure from one of the openings acting against the gas pressure in the chamber and including an engaging shoulder carried by the valve element, and a latching collet connected to the housing,

releasing means for releasing the latching means when the valve element is moved further in the open direction than the latched position including a releasing sleeve slidably carried by the valve ele ment for contacting and releasing the latching collet, and spring means positioned in the housing for contact with the valve element for allowing the valve element to be moved to the open position for latching, but which requires a predetermined fluid pressure acting on the valve element from one of the openings for moving the releasing sleeve against the collet, and

said valve element includes first and second sections telescopically connected together with shear means in an extended relationship, and locking means between the first and second sections adapted to become engaged when the shear means is sheared and the sections are retracted together.

latching means. 

1. A pressure actuated valve comprising, a valve housing having two openings for passage of fluid therethrough, a valve element sealingly engaging and movable in the housing for opening and closing fluid communication between said two openings, first yieldable urging means in the housing acting against the element in a direction to close the fluid communication between the two openings, releasable latching means connected to the valve element for latching the element in the open position when the element is moved to the open position by fluid pressure from one of the openings acting against the first yieldable urging means, releasable means for releasing the latching means, and second yieldable urging means positioned in the housing for contact with the valve element but allowing the valve element to be moved to the open position for latching, and which requires a predetermined fluid pressure, in excess of the fluid pressure to move the element to the open position against the first yieldable urging means, acting on the valve element from one of the openings for moving the releasing means to the releasing position.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first yieldable urging means is a gas-filled chamber in the housing exposed to one side of the valve element and the second yieldable urging meAns is a spring.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the latching means includes, an engaging shoulder carried by the valve element, and a latching collet connected to the housing.
 4. A pressure actuated valve comprising, a valve housing having two openings for passage of fluid therethrough, a valve element sealingly engaging and movable in the housing for opening and closing fluid communication between said two openings, a gas-filled chamber in the housing yieldably acting against the element in a direction to close the fluid communication between the two openings, releasable latching means connected to the valve element for latching the element in the open position when the element is moved to the open position by fluid pressure from one of the openings acting against the yieldable urging gas chamber, said latching means including an engaging shoulder carried by the valve element, and a latching collet connected to the housing, and releasable means for releasing the latching means including a releasing sleeve slidably carried by the valve element for contacting and releasing the latching collet when the valve element is moved beyond the latched position, and spring stop means positioned in the housing for contact with the valve element but allowing the valve element to be moved to the open position for latching, and which requires a predetermined fluid pressure acting on the valve element from one of the openings for moving the releasing means to the releasing position.
 5. A pressure actuated valve comprising, a valve housing having two openings for passage of fluid therethrough, a valve element sealingly engaging and movable in the housing for opening and closing fluid communication between said two openings, said element includes first and second sections telescopically connected together with shear means in an extended relationship, and locking means between the first and second sections adapted to become engaged when the shear means is sheared and the sections are moved together, yieldable urging means in the housing acting against the element in a direction to close the fluid communication between the two openings, releasable latching means connected to the valve element for latching the element in the open position when the element is moved to the open position by fluid pressure from one of the openings acting against the yieldable urging means, and releasable means for releasing the latching means.
 6. A pressure actuated valve comprising, a valve housing having two openings for passage of fluid therethrough, a valve element sealingly engaging and movable in the housing for opening and closing fluid communication between said two openings, a gas-filled chamber in the housing acting against the valve element in a direction to close the fluid communication between the two openings, releasable latching means for latching the valve element in the open position when the element is moved to the open position by fluid pressure from one of the openings acting against the gas pressure in the chamber and including an engaging shoulder carried by the valve element, and a latching collet connected to the housing, releasing means for releasing the latching means when the valve element is moved further in the open direction than the latched position including a releasing sleeve slidably carried by the valve element for contacting and releasing the latching collet, and spring means positioned in the housing for contact with the valve element for allowing the valve element to be moved to the open position for latching, but which requires a predetermined fluid pressure acting on the valve element from one of the openings for moving the releasing sleeve against the collet, and said valve element includes first and second sections telescopically connected together with shear means in an extended relationship, and locking means between the first and second sections adapted to become engaged When the shear means is sheared and the sections are retracted together.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the latching means engaging shoulder is directed downwardly, and the latching collet includes an upwardly-directed latching shoulder, and a downwardly-directed bevelled shoulder, and said releasing sleeve includes an upwardly and downwardly directed bevelled shoulders for coacting with the collet bevelled shoulder for releasing the latching means. 